The Second City, the legendary Chicago comedy theater where many of the worlds best comedians get their start, will kick off the spring semester of Coastal Carolina Universitys 2004-2005 Cultural Arts Series on Friday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for general admission and free for CCU students and children under 18.

Six members of the shows national touring company will perform The Best of Second City, featuring some of the most famous comedy sketches, songs and improvisations from Second Citys 45-plus year history.

Founded in 1959, The Second City is recognized for its unique style of improv-based comedy and as the premier training ground for some of the worlds most talented comedic performers. Second City alumni include Mike Myers, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Martin Short, John Candy, Chris Farley, Gilda Radner, Alan Alda, Joan Rivers, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and many others.

The Second Citys emphasis on intelligent satirical sketches and on-the-spot improvisations inspired television comedies such as Saturday Night Live and Whose Line Is it Anyway?

In addition to three touring companies that travel year-round, The Second City has resident theaters in Chicago, Toronto, Detroit and Cleveland.

For tickets or more information, contact the Wheelwright Box Office at 349-2502 or visit The Second City Web site at www.secondcity.com.